Motivation For Those Working Late

Sometimes you have to work late. This post is for those times.

But No-one Else is Still Working!

That says more about them than it does about you.

You're willing to go the extra mile, they're not. It's that simple.

You're willing to get things done to a better standard, and leave time to deal with unexpected problems. They're not.

You get more done than the slackers who leave on the dot of 5pm.

You have more tasks than others, because you're proactive. You're someone who looks for things you could do that would move your organization towards its goals. You're not a sheep who merely does the work you're told to do.

You understand that you are the person who best understands how and where you can add value.

Many of those whose empty desks now surround are missing their deadlines, missing their targets, failing their customers and failing to grasp countless opportunities to do a better job. You know that's true. So don't judge yourself by the hours they keep. You have higher standards.

But I'm Bored

Not everything in life is exciting. It's sometimes necessary to do things you should do, but don't fancy doing.

If you put off the work till tomorrow, it won't suddenly become more interesting. It won't suddenly disappear.

Stop whining about the task. Tackle it now, and you can get it finished. You'll then be able to move on to more interesting tasks tomorrow.

But I'm Tired!

Get yourself a caffeinated coffee, or Red Bull - now. Keep a supply of caffeine tablets in your desk.

But I Have Stuff To Do At Home!

If you REALLY wanted to do that stuff, you would have done it already.

Besides, that stuff's less important, less urgent, and less fulfilling than it seems to you right now.

It's easy to say 'if I weren't here, I'd be at home and I would get x, y and z done'. In truth, you probably wouldn't.

I Fancy A Break!

Then take one. A short one. Then get back to the work.

End Thought

You're here for a reason. To get that task done. It's been sitting on your to-do list far too long. Now is the time for you to take action.

Just imagine the outcome of your work, what you will have achieved, what you'll be free to move on to do next. Soon you'll have finished the tasks at hand, and tomorrow you'll have forgotten the hardship of this hour.

You can complete that task today. You should complete that task today.

Now do it. Get to work.